Services - Bates Orthodontics

Q: WHAT IS AN ORTHODONTIST?

Orthodontists are dental specialists whose sole focus is to align the teeth and jaws. To become an orthodontist, there are three primary steps — undergraduate studies, dental school and orthodontist residency. Orthodontists must complete an intensive residency program where they learn the techniques of proper, safe tooth movement as well as guided dental, jaw and facial development. Through formal and hands-on training, orthodontists are equipped to diagnose, prevent, correct and treat dental and facial irregularities in patients of all ages.

Q: WHAT DO ORTHODONTISTS DO?

Orthodontists provide customized treatment plans to resolve developmental issues and treat existing problems. During patient consultations, orthodontists identify the most appropriate treatment methods for individual orthodontic cases. Only orthodontic specialists are fully qualified to recommend safe treatment plans.

Q: WHY IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IMPORTANT?

Orthodontic treatment can improve quality of life and well-being for patients of every age. From a functional perspective, it can produce a better bite which helps reduce the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and chewing difficulties.

Q: WHEN SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD TO THE ORTHODONTIST?

The AAO recommends an evaluation by an orthodontist at age 7. Orthodontic exams are a vital preventative measure for children. It is crucial for orthodontists to evaluate the oral health of children while the face and jaws are still developing. Early diagnosis is key to correct and resolve issues in a timely manner. When well timed, orthodontic treatment can help guide jaw growth, foster good oral habits and create a more pleasing, symmetrical smile.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

During your first appointment, you’ll receive an office tour and meet with Dr. Bates. He will evaluate your orthodontic needs, create a comprehensive treatment plan and answer your questions. It’s a simple and straightforward meeting, just the way we like it.

Q: HOW DOES PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT WORK?

Bates Orthodontics offers flexible financing through OrthoFi. This service allows you to design and customize your own payment plan to suit your budget and financial goals.

Q: WHAT IS A BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has not only completed a graduate program in dentistry to receive their DDS or DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine), but has also gone through a competitive residency at a CODA-accredited orthodontic program for an additional 2-3 years to be trained specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. ABO Board Certification is a voluntary credential that represents an orthodontist’s personal and public commitment to the standards of specialty practice and lifelong learning. The ABO Certification process requires the completion of peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examinations. A Board Certified Orthodontist has reached this level of achievement by pursuing additional voluntary education and ongoing self- assessment. Board Certification is confirmation of an orthodontist’s personal commitment to providing lifelong quality patient care. The American Board of Orthodontics is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.

Question 1

Traditional Braces

Accepted Answer

Traditional braces are available in two high quality finishes- stainless steel and gold. With modern advances, the designs are smaller, sleeker and more comfortable than ever before. This standard solution is especially patient friendly because the only thing you have to keep up with is regular appointments and good oral hygiene. With traditional metal braces, you receive consistent adjustments that align with your overall treatment goals.

Question 2

Ceramic Braces

Accepted Answer

Clear ceramic braces are a popular alternative to traditional braces because they offer many of the same benefits with a less noticeable appearance. These braces provide similar strength and durability as metal braces, but the clear materials are nearly invisible. If esthetics are important, ceramic braces are an appealing choice. This type of treatment delivers the quick, effective results people love about metal braces with more inconspicuous designs.

Question 3

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners help gradually straighten teeth with minimal disruptions to personal appearance. This discreet treatment method fits seamlessly into the modern lifestyle. Through in-person consultations, aligners are fine tuned to achieve the optimal level of comfort for each patient, and the results are progressive, so patients can watch their smile transform month to month. The aligners can also be easily removed for eating, drinking or flossing.

Question 4

CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY

Accepted Answer

Orthognathic jaw surgery consists of surgical intervention in combination with orthodontic treatment to correct the malposition of the underlying skeletal/jaw relationships. Jaw surgery could be an option for many patient who are interested in correcting their functional needs, as well as improving facial appearance, symmetry, and harmony.

Question 5

CRANIOFACIAL/CLEFT LIP AND PALATE TREATMENT

Accepted Answer

Craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip/palate, among other congential facial malformations may require some orthodontic intervention as a part of the overall team approach to treatment. Dr. Bates has experience in proper planning and treatment of patients with craniofacial birth defects.

Question 6

RETAINERS

Accepted Answer

Orthodontic retainers help maintain beautiful, lifelong smiles. They are essential to orthodontic after care. Following any orthodontic treatment, it is important to preserve and protect the results you’ve achieved with one of our retainer solutions. Your teeth will naturally shift back to their original position after straightening without consistent retainer usage. That’s why we work with every patient to determine the best retainer solution for their individual lifestyle.

Question 7

COSMETIC & ESTHETIC TREATMENTS

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic treatments can help improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. Dr. Bates specializes in both the functional and esthetic aspects of treatment and carefully oversees every cosmetic dental procedure.

Question 8

GINGIVAL RESHAPING

Accepted Answer

Gingival reshaping, also known as gum recontouring, may enhance your smile. This procedure often involves removing excess tissue to change the shape of your gums and improve the esthetics of your teeth after orthodontic treatment.

Question 9

ENAMEL RESHAPING

Accepted Answer

Enamel reshaping, also known as enamel recontouring, can help improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile and the function of your teeth. It involves removing a small amount of enamel to smooth and correct uneven spots or rough edges on the teeth. This effective, reshaping procedure is minimally invasive and can improve the final results of orthodontic treatment.

Question 10

ENAMEL THERAPY

Accepted Answer

Enamel therapy is designed to address functional and esthetic concerns related to white spot lesions. These treatments can help restore enamel strength and function as well as correct the appearance of white spots. Before providing esthetic treatments, we identify the probable cause of the lesions, and this insight helps us formulate the best method to safely remove or reduce the spots.

Question 11

TEETH WHITENING

Accepted Answer

After completion of orthodontic treatment, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening products to help brighten your new smile with little to no sensitivity.

Oral Care is Healthcare

Popular Services

Traditional Braces

Ceramic Braces

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Traditional Braces

Ceramic Braces

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

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